Ishant Sharma was today ruled out of Indian test squad ahead of the first test match against New Zealand due to chikungunya

India suffered a major setback on Tuesday with the team’s pace spearhead Ishant Sharma being ruled out of the squad ahead of the first test match against New Zealand in Kanpur on September 22.

Ishant Sharma is recovering from chikungunya, a viral disease that is wreaking havoc in his home city of Delhi.

The match will start on Thursday and Sharma will not be able to recover by then.

Team coach Anil Kumble confirmed the development and said that no replacement has been announced for the pacer. He, however, expressed hope that the Ishant will be able to return for the remainder of the series.

Having played 72 matches for the country, Ishant is the senior most bowler in the team and among the most experienced members in the Indian Test squad.

He has picked up 209 wickets in his career including eight wickets in the recently concluded West Indies tour.

Selectors had announced a 15-member squad on September 12 and dropped all-rounder Stuart Binny.